Complete HVAC Service Checklist for Fall 2024

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the temperature drops, it provides a good chance to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Regular fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and helps make sure your home is always ready for the cold. Here are a few quick tips to keep your furnace running its best this year.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly

Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, shielding your heating and cooling. New filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter becomes clogged, which hinders airflow and can place added strain on your system. To prevent this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

With the temperatures dropping soon, it’s time to switch your thermostat from AC to heat. Properly setting your thermostat lowers your monthly bill and helps make your home comfortable. Here are a few tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or less when you’re at home.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or when you’re asleep. A new smart thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
• Avoid overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you get cold.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to take a look at all the air duct openings in your home. For any registers covered in dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Double-check that no return or supply vents are covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use might sound like an effective way to lower HVAC bills, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, increasing the strain on your system and—ironically—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaky air ducts are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy bills. Surprisingly, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, call an Expert to properly patch the leaks in your ductwork. The investment will cut energy bills, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.

5. Ensure Your Home Is Safe from Heating-Related Fires

Heating equipment is a primary risk factor for home fires. Stick to these recommendations to minimize the risk as much as possible:

• Store flammable materials far from heat sources, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• In the same vein, don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, turn it off and contact a heating Expert.

6. Inspect the Furnace Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before you start your furnace this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is blocked, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace should have ample room around where it’s installed to run safely. Refrain from keeping any storage within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is not large enough, do your best to ensure the area is clear apart from the HVAC equipment. Keep items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from the furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These important safety devices alert your family of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to make sure they work okay, and change the batteries once a year. Only remove the batteries if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Schedule Professional HVAC Inspections

While it’s possible to handle a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, only a professional can complete full inspections, with cleaning and other necessary tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures peak system efficiency. The opportunity to look out for minor problems before they cause trouble also reduces the risk of a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing Your Furnace

Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it may only be 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Rather than waiting for total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing energy savings right away and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today

If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning gets the job done right. We offer fast, long-lasting solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.